Growing Deeply

Sunday Sermon

a daily scripture guide

Week of April 18 April 23

MONDAY: Genesis 3:1-11 What kind of fall - obedience?

Does the story of Adam & Eve speak of more than one kind of fall? Is it a fall of
obedience? Traditionally, the understanding is that they did not obey God. Despite
being given all but one tree in the garden, humanity sought them all. Some say
the fall is less about disobedience and more about depicting humanitys fullness of
identity (naked, clothed).
CONSIDER: Which view do you most resonate with: Obedience? Fullness? Why do
you think that is?
TUESDAY: Genesis 3:1-11 What kind of fall - power?
Perhaps the serpent depicts a lure to power (being like God). On one hand, we are
called to be like God in our characteristics and living. On the other hand, perhaps
the Adam and Eve story illustrates our strong desire or propensity for power. Power
itself is not bad; however, the source of the power matters.
PRAYER: God, I desire you to be my power source. Then, may the power I have be
used to further your reign on earth.
WEDNESDAY: Genesis 3:1-11 What kind of fall - responsibility?
In conversation with a parishioner I learned of this interpretation of the fall
responsibility. What if the story highlights a lack of responsibility by not admitting
they had eaten the fruit, blaming others, and hiding? How common are these
actions in the life of humanity? In your life?
CONSIDER: That which is acknowledged can be redeemed.
THURSDAY: John 20:24-29 Missing Jesus
Thomas wasnt there when Jesus stopped by, but the disciples filled him in on
what happened. What do you think of other peoples accounts and witness of
Jesus? Do you doubt, believe, wonder, or dismiss? How open are you to sharing your
experiences of Jesus despite what others will think?
PRAYER: I dont want to miss you, Jesus. Make me open and ready to hear and
share my witness of you.
FRIDAY: John 20:24-29 Two Kinds of Faith?
Jesus didnt dismiss Thomas by touch faith; rather, he says a blessing for those
who have faith without seeing. There may be areas of life where we express a faith
based on what we see and touch, and other areas where we walk by faith and not
sight. Consider the areas for yourself.
REFLECT: Grant me the gift of faith.
SATURDAY: John 20:24-29 Doubting? Thomas
Its unfortunate how we label people and how those labels stick. Thomas says yes to
follow Jesus and was committed to him. This story however colors the way people
for centuries would view him.
REFLECTION: Consider a less-than-expected action youve donea disappointment,
even. How would it feel to be known for that act all your life?

Forward Gently - April 17

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-11 (NRSV)

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord
God had made. He said to the woman, Did God say, You shall not eat from
any tree in the garden? The woman said to the serpent, We may eat of
the fruit of the trees in the garden; but God said, You shall not eat of the
fruit of the tree that is in the middle of the garden, nor shall you touch it,
or you shall die. But the serpent said to the woman, You will not die; for
God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be
like God, knowing good and evil. So when the woman saw that the tree was
good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to
be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave
some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both
were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves
together and made loincloths for themselves.
They heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden at the time
of the evening breeze, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the
presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God
called to the man, and said to him, Where are you? He said, I heard the
sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid
myself. He said, Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from
the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission.
All rights reserved.

My Notes:

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